1. Don't
The college experience is different for everyone, and making friends is not mandatory to graduate. Whether you are an introvert or not, ALONE TIME IS ACCEPTABLE. If your wildest dream is to go home Friday after class and kick it with your dog, you're probably not alone. College parties are overrated, dogs aren't.
2. Buy a frisbee
If college has taught me anything, it's that throwing a frisbee is one of the few chances you get to escape adulting. Not only is it a group game, but you stand just far enough from the other plays that getting to know each other comes more naturally; no one likes first impression nervous breath.
3. Leave your door open
While this normally would be a safety hazard, there are no rules in college. One of the sketchiest, most exciting moments for any college freshman is getting your first visitor. By leaving your door open, you're conveying a message to the other residents in your hall that you're down to socialize. (This is a lot like making the first move in a relationship.) While it may seem strange at first, you'd be surprised how natural it becomes, and how many people actually waltz right into another person's room.
4. When sitting alone, don't put your headphones in
Sitting alone is never fun, especially when you're surrounded by groups of people enjoying each others company. Much like the room situation, by keeping your headphones out people will assume you're open to starting a conversation. Yes, conversations are how you make friends. College students approach just about anyone, anyone without headphones in, that is.
5. Speak with an Italian accent, poorly
You've got to be-ah kidding me. No. I most certainly am not. Going to school with 11,000+ people means that your name will be forgotten as soon as you introduce yourself. Do you know what won't be forgotten? The uncomfortable laughter that follows your poor Italian accent. If you're going to leave a mark on your peers, this is the way. Next time they see you, I guarantee they will say "Ayy, its-ah the bad accent-ah guy!"
6. Make popcorn in your dorm room, then air it out in the hallway
College students are broke and hungry. Popcorn is cheap and delicious. Need I say more?
7. BE YOURSELF
This may be cliché, and I considered not writing it, but it's the truth! The only thing worse being friends with someone you don't like, is acting like someone you don't like. If you enjoy wearing tutus, listening to "Weird Al" Yankovic, and spending your weekends' binge-watching Portlandia, I promise there is another soul out there who is exactly the same. The beautiful thing about college is that there is an endless list of groups, clubs and organizations, each one being different from the last. You will find your people, but the only way to find them is to be yourself. Your beautiful, weird, fantastic self!
